Elavenil Valarivan and Arjun Babuta Forge Golden Partnership at Asian Shooting Championships
In a display of unwavering camaraderie and skill, Indian shooters Elavenil Valarivan and Arjun Babuta secured the 10m air rifle mixed team gold medal at the Asian Shooting Championships held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range. This victory not only marks their third mixed team gold at the Asian Championships but also underscores a deep-seated bond that has evolved over nearly a decade, transforming from junior competitors to a familial-like partnership in the sport.
A Friendship Forged in Fire: From Juniors to Champions
Elavenil Valarivan and Arjun Babuta first crossed paths in 2017, starting their shooting journeys together as juniors. Since then, almost ten years have passed, encompassing two Olympic Games and numerous competitions. Both athletes have matured side by side, navigating the same competitive ecosystem and sharing the highs and lows of elite shooting. This shared history has cultivated a unique synergy, allowing them to anticipate each other's needs and support one another both on and off the range.
Reflecting on their bond, Elavenil expressed admiration for Babuta, stating, "I have looked up to Arjun. When I came into the team, Arjun was already winning medals. I remember having so many conversations with him regarding his performances. It has been a good bond over the years." Babuta echoed this sentiment, adding, "We learned together. We grew up together. We've sort of become like family now." This familial connection has been instrumental in their success, providing emotional stability and mutual inspiration.
Overcoming Olympic Heartbreak with Mutual Support
The strength of their partnership was vividly demonstrated during the Paris Olympics, where Babuta faced a heartbreaking moment, narrowly missing an Olympic medal due to a lapse in nerve. In that critical juncture, Elavenil, who had also experienced her own disappointments at the Games, swiftly intervened. She escorted Babuta away from the media frenzy at the Chateauroux shooting range, offering him a private space to grieve. This act of friendship highlighted the depth of their connection, proving that their bond extends beyond mere competition.
Elavenil later remarked on the incident, emphasizing the importance of support in tough times: "When somebody is down, you can see that is not the right moment. I think a friend is what they needed." This mutual reliance has translated into their shooting dynamics, where they compensate for each other's occasional stumbles, ensuring consistent performance as a team.
Mastering Consistency and Adapting to New Formats
Both Elavenil and Babuta are renowned for their remarkable consistency in shooting, maintaining top-tier performances regardless of the tournament or location. In an Indian shooting team often characterized by frequent changes, they have steadfastly retained their leading positions. Babuta attributes part of his growth to observing Elavenil's approach, noting, "Whoever new is coming up, I like to interact with them and learn about their mindset. I take a lot of enthusiasm back to my own process from it. And Ela has always been a great help to me."
The duo's success at the Asian Championships was also aided by their adaptability to the new mixed team format. Unlike previous setups, this format features a four-team final where even the fourth-place team can compete for gold, replacing the old system where only the top two teams vied for gold and silver. Elavenil praised this change, stating, "I think I have always enjoyed this format of finals because it's easier for us to cover up. We have quite a number of shots, not like the one where if one of us is having a bad shot, then the score drops. So I feel that I am going to enjoy this."
Dominant Performance and Future Prospects
During the championship, Elavenil and Babuta delivered a masterclass in precision, repeatedly scoring over 21 points in each tandem shot. Their relentless pace outpaced competitors from South Korea and Japan, culminating in a combined total of 505 points, four points ahead of their nearest rivals. This victory added to Elavenil's earlier gold in the individual 10m air rifle women's event, showcasing her exceptional form.
Looking ahead, the pair's 'streak' of mixed team golds at the Asian Championships serves as a testament to their enduring partnership and shared goals. As they continue to inspire each other and the broader shooting community, their story exemplifies how friendship and mutual respect can elevate athletic achievement to new heights. In a sport often perceived as solitary, Elavenil Valarivan and Arjun Babuta have redefined teamwork, proving that a strong bond can be the ultimate catalyst for success on the global stage.
